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Shopping malls given the green light to reopen in region’s that have hit ‘Phase 4’

New York’s shopping malls are finally going to be given the opportunity to reopen this week, according to new guidance from Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The word came down in a press conference held Wednesday.

Starting Friday malls will be able to open in regions that have entered Phase 4 of reopening if they have implemented an enhanced Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning filtration system and follow proper ventilation protocols.


HVAC systems will be required to include filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value – or MERV – rating of which filters out the COVID-19 virus, but can, if the system makes additional protections, run on a minimum MERV of 11.

Ventilation protocols include increased outdoor air, reduced air circulation, longer system run times and frequent filter checks.